Press Releases

Holiday Concert to Feature Contemporary Setting of the Magnificat

Concert is scheduled for December 2, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Brockport, NY – This holiday season, the Brockport College-Community Chorus will be celebrating in a different venue than in recent years. This year’s Sounds of the Season concert will be held at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 152 Main Street, Brockport on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the concert are $5 and will be sold at the door on the night of the concert. The choral concert will be preceded by selections from the Brockport Xylophone Ensemble, beginning at 7:15 pm. For further information, please contact the Fine Arts Series Box Office at (585) 395-2787.

The centerpiece of the concert is John Rutter’s setting of the Magnificat, the text of which has been a part of Roman Catholic Vespers services for centuries. In the past, the canticle has been set by several classical composers, most notably Bach, Bruckner and Rachmaninoff. Rutter’s version, which had its premiere at Carnegie Hall in 1990, was intended to be reminiscent of “Mediterranean sunshine and celebration, evoking the spirit of the many exuberant festivals held throughout Europe in honor of the Virgin Mary.” According to musicologist John Bawden, “the work is full of energetic, syncopated rhythms and strong melodies, with more than a hint of the musical theatre from time to time.” The Chorus’ program will include several additional holiday selections, including a setting of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Making a joyful noise, the Brockport Gospel Choir will be on hand to sing several selections that will rattle the rafters.

More information about The College at Brockport’s Fine Arts Series can be found at www.brockport.edu/finearts or on Facebook.

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The College at Brockport, State University of New York
350 New Campus Drive * Brockport, New York 14420-2931
(585) 395-2754 * FAX (585) 395-2723 *
www.brockport.edu